Abstract: The application of a highly controlled, micron-sized, branched, porous architecture to enhance the handling properties and degradation rate of hydrogels is described in the instant invention. A previously described pattern created through one-step nucleated crystallization in a hydrogel film creates tunable mechanical properties and/or chemical stability for use in tissue engineering applications. The bulk mechanical properties and the degradation rate of the material can be tuned easily by the addition or subtraction of crystalline structure or by the addition and subtraction of backfill material, making this useful for a variety of applications. Relevant mechanical properties that can be tuned through the application of this unique porosity are moduli, elasticity, tensile strength, and compression strength. The method of the present invention can be applied to biopolymers and natural materials as well as synthetic materials.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the reduction or elimination of bacterial biofilms on biological and non-biological surfaces, as well as methods for the treatment of wounds, skin lesions, mucous membrane lesions, and other biological surfaces infected or contaminated with bacterial biofilms using compositions comprising thermolysin.

Abstract: A method for concentrating microorganisms, includes modifying an object by introducing an amine group into the object (step 1); and contacting a sample including a microorganism and dimethyl 3,3?-dithiobispropionimidate (DTBP) each other on the modified object (step 2), wherein the object is any one of a thin film device, a magnetic bead, a ring resonator, and a nanoparticle.

Abstract: A method of forming homogenized tobacco material is provided, including forming a homogenized slurry including tobacco powder; casting the homogenized slurry onto a moving belt; incorporating a porous reinforcement sheet into the cast homogenized slurry; and drying the cast homogenized slurry with the incorporated porous reinforcement sheet to form the homogenized tobacco material, the porous reinforcement sheet having anisotropic properties such that the porous reinforcement sheet has a higher tensile strength in a longitudinal direction thereof than in a transverse direction thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods to form pores in situ within hydrogels following hydrogel injection. Pores formed in situ via degradation of sacrificial porogens within the surrounding hydrogel facilitate recruitment or release of cells. Disclosed herein is a material that is not initially porous, but which becomes macroporous over time.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an excellent emulsifier. This object is achieved by a low-molecular gum ghatti having a weight average molecular weight within the range of 0.020×106 to 1.10×106.

Abstract: The invention provides a diamine crosslinking agent for acidic polysaccharides consisting of a diamine compound having a primary amino group at both terminals and an ester or thioester bond in the molecule, wherein the number of atom in the linear chain between at least one of the amino groups and the carbonyl carbon in the ester or thioester is 1 to 5; in particular, a diamine crosslinking agent for acidic polysaccharides which is represented by the general formula (I) below: [the symbols in the formula are as described in the specification]; a crosslinked acidic polysaccharide obtained by forming crosslinks by amide bonding between the amino groups in the diamine crosslinking agent and carboxyl groups in an acidic polysaccharide; and a medical material including the crosslinked product.

Abstract: A method for preparing a salt-resistant and detergent-resistant alginate fiber by contacting and infiltrating a finished alginate fiber with a borate-containing adjuvant solution and using selected proper raw materials in selected proportions and reaction conditions. The preparation method solves the problem that the alginate fiber and a fabric made therefrom are neither salt-resistant nor detergent-resistant. The borate-modified alginate fiber and a fabric made therefrom have excellent salt resistances, and can be washed with an alkaline detergent. The swelling degree of the alginate fiber modified by the adjuvant solution can be reduced to 39.8% after the fiber is immersed in a normal saline at 30° C. for 72 h and can be reduced to 55.3% after the fiber is immersed in a standard detergent for 24 h, while the fiber maintains its original morphology without any obvious dissolution phenomenon, and the self flame-resisting performance of the alginate fiber is also maintained.

Abstract: A Product is described and which contains at least one type of ligand bound to a separation material and which allows selective binding or cleavage of a biomolecule for example in human blood.

Abstract: Modified diamond particles for use in chromatography with a desired functional group at the diamond surface, formed from reaction of hydroxyl groups at diamond surfaces with a reactive molecule.

Abstract: A powder formulation comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable anionic stabilizer and an aliphatic amine polymer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof mixed with the anionic stabilizer. The powder formulation is conveniently packaged in a container, such as a sachet. A method of treating a subject with hyperphosphotemia with the powder formulation is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides an alginate oligosaccharide and its derivatives with the degree of polymerization ranging from 2 to 22. The alginate oligosaccharide is composed of ?-D-mannuronic acid linked by 1,4 glycosidic bonds. The derivatives with the reduced terminal in position 1 of carboxyl radical can be prepared by oxidative degradation. The invention also provides a process for preparing the alginate oligosaccharide and its derivatives, which includes the procedure that an alginate solution is reacted for 2 to 6 h in an autoclave at pH 2˜6 and the temperature of 100˜120° C., and adjusted pH to 7 after the reaction is stopped, after which the resultant oligosaccharide is oxidized in the presence of an oxidant to obtain an oxidative product. The alginate oligosaccharide and its derivatives of the invention can be used in the manufacture of a medicament for the prophylaxis and treatment of AD and diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixture, having a skin-tightening effect, which is made up of: 10 to 80% by weight of a polysaccharide, preferably of an alginate, having a molecular weight of less than 600,000 Daltons, preferably less than 400,000 Daltons and more preferably less than 200,000 Daltons, 15 to 75% by weight of a polyhydroxylated agent selected from sugars and their derivatives, particularly sugar esters and sugar, ethers, preferably sorbitol, 3 to 15% by weight of poly(vinyl alcohol) or polyvinylpyrrolidone, and 0 to 25% by weight of cellulose or of a derivative of cellulose, such as carboxymethylcellulose or hydroxymethylcellulose. The present invention also relates to cosmetic compositions which contain this mixture. These cosmetic compositions enable a mechanical smoothing of the surface of the skin to be obtained progressively with great comfort of use and enables a good fixing of make-up products.

Abstract: Because of the formation of disulfide bridges with mucus glycoproteins, the mucoadhesive properties of polymeric compounds can be significantly improved by the covalent attachment of thiol substructures to them. By the transformation of free thiol groups on such polymers in disulfides with mercaptonicotinamides or mercaptopyridoxins these thiol groups become comparatively more reactive resulting in significantly improved mucoadhesive properties. Furthermore, polymers exhibiting disulfide partial structures with mercaptonicotinamides or mercaptopyridoxins do not need to be protected against oxidation. In addition, they show comparatively higher permeation enhancing properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ionically cross-linkable alginate-grafted hyaluronate compound containing alginate and hyaluronate, the alginate and the hyaluronate forming a covalent linkage. The use of the compound can easily provide a cross-linked hyaluronate by adding a divalent cation without using a chemical cross-linking agent. The present invention also provides a method for cell transplantation that includes preparing a composition comprising the compound of claim 1 and cells for transplantation, and administering to a subject in need thereof the composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fibrosis-causing agent in a particulate form which effectively reduces the lung capacity in a noninvasive manner.

Abstract: The application of a highly controlled, micron-sized, branched, porous architecture to enhance the handling properties and degradation rate of hydrogels is described in the instant invention. A previously described pattern created through one-step nucleated crystallization in a hydrogel film creates tunable mechanical properties and/or chemical stability for use in tissue engineering applications. The bulk mechanical properties and the degradation rate of the material can be tuned easily by the addition or subtraction of crystalline structure or by the addition and subtraction of backfill material, making this useful for a variety of applications. Relevant mechanical properties that can be tuned through the application of this unique porosity are moduli, elasticity, tensile strength, and compression strength. The method of the present invention can be applied to biopolymers and natural materials as well as synthetic materials.

Abstract: Microencapsulation of bioactive and chemical cargo in a stable, cross-linked polymer matrix is presented that results in small particle sizes and is easily scaled-up for industrial applications. A formulation of a salt of an acid soluble multivalent ion, an acid neutralized with a volatile base and one or more monomers that cross-link in the presence of multivalent ions is atomized into droplets. Cross-linking is achieved upon atomization where the volatile base is vaporized resulting in a reduction of the pH of the formulation and the temporal release of multivalent ions from the salt that cross-link the monomers forming a capsule. The incorporation of additional polymers or hydrophobic compounds in the formulation allows control of hydration properties of the particles to control the release of the encapsulated compounds. The operational parameters can also be controlled to affect capsule properties such as particle-size and particle-size distribution.

Abstract: An alginate monomer structure with metal crystallite embedded includes a first alginate monomer and at least a first metal crystallite. The first alginate monomer is composed of a first uronate molecule and a second uronate molecule, which are linked linearly to each other. A first carbonyl group is formed on a second carbon atom (C2) of the main ring in the first uronate molecule, a carboxyl group is presented on a sixth carbon atom (C6) of the main ring in the second uronate molecule, and a first intramonomer glycosidic linkage is presented between a first carbon atom (C1) of the main ring in the first uronate molecule and a fourth carbon atom (C4) of the main ring in the second uronate molecule. The first metal crystallite is associated between the first uronate molecule and the second uronate molecule.

Abstract: This invention relates to an extraction process of brown algae polysaccharides in a field of pharmaceutical chemistry. This invention particularly discloses a process of extracting brown algae polysaccharides based on a microwave chemistry method and brown algae polysaccharides obtained by said process. The process of the invention comprises: 1) putting pulverized brown algae powder into a microwave reaction chamber, adding acid solution to conduct reaction; optionally concentrating the mixer, and then washing with organic solvent to remove excess acid; conducting grading alcohol precipitation after water extract to obtain mannuronic acid rich fragment (M rich) algin, fucoidan and/or laminaran respectively; and adding an alkali solution to the brown algae residue to conduct alkaline digestion, filtering the residue off, adjusting pH of the filtrate to neutral, conducting alcohol precipitation to obtain guluronic acid rich fragment (G rich) algin precipitates.

Abstract: A biodegradable iron-crosslinked alginate is useful as a remediation agent for environmental contaminants such as phosphate. When charged with phosphate, or other nutrients, the iron-functionalized alginate can be used as an agricultural fertilizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alginate oligosaccharide and its derivatives with the degree of polymerization ranging from 2 to 22. The alginate oligosaccharide is composed of ?-D-mannuronic acid linked by 1,4 glycosidic bonds. The derivatives with the reduced terminal in position 1 of carboxyl radical can be prepared by oxidative degradation. The present invention also provides a process for preparing the alginate oligosaccharide and its derivatives, which includes the procedures that an alginate solution is reacted for 2 to 6 h in an autoclave at pH 2-6 and the temperature of 100-120° C., and pH is adjusted to 7 after the reaction is stopped, after which the resultant oligosaccharide is oxidized in the presence of an oxidant to obtain an oxidative degradation product. The alginate oligosaccharide and its derivatives of the invention can be used in the manufacture of a medicament for the prophylaxis and treatment of AD and diabetes.

Abstract: A polysaccharide fibre useful in biomedical applications such as wound management is made as a bicomponent fibre with alginate and psyllium polymers. An antimicrobial silver salt may be incorporated. The fibre may be made by extruding an aqueous mixture of alkaline-solubilised psyllium and sodium alginate into a calcium chloride bath.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to cosmetic powders having improved dispersibility, feel, and stability in which the powders are surface modified with at least one alginic acid, or salt form thereof. The powders may be used in cosmetic compositions such as a powder foundation skin toner, skin lotion, or body wash.

Abstract: A process for the ultrapurification of alginates is provided. In particular, the process may be used for microencapsulation in human cell transplants.

Abstract: A film comprising as a film-forming agent an alginate salt of monovalent cation or a mixture of alginate salts containing at least one alginate salt of monovalent cation, the film-forming agent being such that a 10% aqueous solution thereof at a temperature of 20° C. has a viscosity of 100-1000 mPas, as measured at a shear rate of 20 rpm by use of a Brookfield viscometer with a spindle No. 2. A method of preparing the film. The film is useful for delivery of active ingredients to a mammal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides polymer compounds binding with lipoamide produced by the reaction of the primary amine group of lipoamide with the carboxy group of polysaccharide compounds such as chondroitin sulfates, carboxymethyl celluloses, or hyaluronic acids; functional compounds such as peptides, proteins, growth factors; or drugs; or biocompatible polymers such as poly(ethylene oxide), poly(vinyl alcohol), or poly(vinyl pyrrolidone). The present disclosure also provides their synthesis methods, products of hydrogels and films using the same as and methods for manufacturing the products.

Abstract: Kits and compositions for producing an alginate gel are disclosed. The kits and compositions comprise soluble alginate and insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles. Methods for dispensing a self-gelling alginate dispersion are disclosed. The methods comprise forming a dispersion of insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles in a solution containing soluble alginate, and dispensing the dispersion whereby the dispersion forms an alginate gel matrix. The methods may include dispensing the dispersion into the body of an individual. An alginate gel having a thickness of greater than 5 mm and a homogenous alginate matrix network and homogenous alginate gels free of one or more of: sulfates citrates, phosphates, lactates, EDTA or lipids are disclosed. Implantable devices comprising a homogenous alginate gel coating are disclosed. Methods of improving the viability of pancreatic islets, or other cellular aggregates or tissue, following isolation and during storage and transport are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel mucoadhesive compounds useful in the prevention of diseases and disorders of or which are associated with the mucosal membrane.

Abstract: There is provided a new use of microspheres comprising a water-insoluble, water-swellable polymer which is anionically charged at pH7, and electrostatically associated with the polymer, in releasable form, a cationically charged chemotherapeutic agent, in the manufacture of a composition for use in the treatment of a brain tumor, wherein in the treatment the composition is introduced into the brain and the chemotherapeutic agent is released from the microspheres, wherein the microspheres, when equilibrated in water at 37° C., comprise at least 40 wt % water based on weight of polymer plus water. Compositions comprising the microspheres and methods for the treatment of brain tumors are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an alginic acid and/or its salts with low molecular weight, wherein the weight average molecular weight of the alginic acid is from about 700 to about 4500 Daltons, and the molar ratio of guluronic acid to mannuronic acid in the alginic acid is from about 0.6 to about 19. The present invention also discloses the preparative method of making the alginic acid and/or its salts thereof, and the use of them for treating hypertension, chronic renal failure and postprandial hyperglycemia induced by glycosidase. The present invention further discloses pharmaceutical compositions and foods containing the alginic acid with low molecular weight and/or salts thereof as active component.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for combating biofilm, said method comprising contacting a biofilm with an alginate oligomer. The biofilm may be on an animate or inanimate surface and both medical and non-medical uses and methods are provided. In one aspect the invention provides an alginate oligomer for use in the treatment or prevention of a biofilm infection in a subject. In another aspect the method can be used to combat biofilms, on abiotic surfaces, e.g., for disinfection and cleaning purposes.

Abstract: Plant treatment compositions comprising metal alginate salts as compositions useful in the treatment of plants, particularly food crops. The metal alginate salts are found to be effective in the absence of herbicides, fungicides and pesticides.

Abstract: A surfactant produced by reacting naturally occurring polysaccharides that are not water soluble with a hydrophilic substituent on a carboxylic portion of the polysaccharide. In a second reaction, the surfactant is further substituted on a hydroxylic portion with a hydrophobic or lipophilic substituent, so as to make the reaction product both water soluble and capable of attracting oily material that is hydrophobic to be removed from a substrate by cleaning in water. Methods of making the surfactant and the follow-on reaction product are described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hyaluronic acid epoxide derivative film comprises a polymer containing a hydroxyl (—OH) terminal group. The film is prepared by allowing an epoxy crosslinker to react with a mixture of hyaluronic acid and a polymer containing a hydroxyl (—OH) terminal group and has improved physical strength, in vivo stability, flexibility, adhesiveness to biological tissue, and biocompatibility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds which are capable of exerting an inhibitory effect on the Na+ glucose cotransporter SGLT in order to hinder glucose and galactose absorption, as well as on lipase thus reducing dietary triglyceride metabolism, for use in the treatment of conditions which benefit therefrom (diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, obesity, prevention of weight gain or aiding weight loss). These compounds comprise a non-absorbable, non-digestible polymer having a glucopyranosyl or galactopyranosyl or equivalent moiety stably and covalently linked thereto, said glucopyranosyl or galactopyranosyl moiety being able to occupy the glucose-binding pocket of a SGLT transporter.

Abstract: The invention has as its object the provision of a medicine capable of reducing a volume of emphysema-suffering pulmonary alveoli or alveolar sacs by means of a respiratory region volume inhibitor containing a coating film formation as a main component and capable of forming a coating film in a respiratory region, characterized by being used in such a way that the coating film-forming component is administered to an emphysema-suffering pulmonary alveolar parenchyma in a human-respiratory region in an amount of 0.004 to 200 g/application, preferably 0.07 to 20 g/application and more preferably 0.5 to 5 g/application on each occasion.

Abstract: Kits and compositions for producing an alginate gel are disclosed. The kits and compositions comprise soluble alginate and insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles. Methods for dispensing a self-gelling alginate dispersion are disclosed. The methods comprise forming a dispersion of insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles in a solution containing soluble alginate, and dispensing the dispersion whereby the dispersion forms an alginate gel matrix. The methods may include dispensing the dispersion into the body of an individual. An alginate gel having a thickness of greater than 5 mm and a homogenous alginate matrix network and homogenous alginate gels free of one or more of: sulfates citrates, phosphates, lactatates, EDTA or lipids are disclosed. Implantable devices comprising a homogenous alginate gel coating are disclosed. Methods of improving the viability of pancreatic islets, or other cellular aggregates or tissue, following isolation and during storage and transport are disclosed.

Abstract: Described are bifunctional NOTA-based derivatives capable of conjugating with alginate and with metal ions, as well as NOTA-alginate conjugates which can be labeled with stable or radioactive metal ions. Also described are conjugation methods of the bifunctional NOTA-based linker with alginate, and methods of using radiometal-labeled NOTA-alginate conjugates or other radio-labeled alginate conjugates as imaging reagents.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical composition for treating Meniere's disease, comprising saccharides or sugar alcohols as an active ingredient and polysaccharides, wherein the ratio by weight of the saccharides or sugar alcohols to the polysaccharides is about 100:2 to 100:50. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may eliminate the cathartic effect caused by saccharides or sugar alcohols to ensure the endolymphatic hydrops decompression effect. Therefore the effect of the therapeutic composition of the present invention is improved. The pharmaceutical composition may provide in gel, powder, granule form or the like.

Abstract: Low molecular weight modified pectin, particularly modified citrus pectin (MCP), and/or low molecular weight modified alginate is useful in a composition for stimulating the immune response of a mammal, particularly a human. Modified pectin and/or modified alginate is administered in a composition in an amount sufficient to modulate, support, enhance or extend an immune response, particularly to an individual having an inadequate or reduced immune function. Stimulation of an immune response is evidenced by stimulation of cell-mediated immune function, humoral immune function, phagocytic function of mononuclear macrophages, and NK cell activity. The composition also may comprise well known pharmacologically acceptable agents, such as sulfured amino acids, cilantro, garlic, minerals, and herbs.

Abstract: A photocrosslinked polysaccharide pseudo-sponge exhibiting a low swelling property and a high degradation ability in vivo while retaining a suitable strength. The polysaccharide pseudo-sponge is produced by a crosslinking reaction of a photoreactive polysaccharide obtained by introducing a photoreactive group into a polysaccharide, and exhibits a low swelling property and a blue dextran-low dyeaffinity.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating a joint disease containing as an active ingredient thereof a monovalent metal salt of alginic acid for which the endotoxin level thereof has been lowered to an extent that does not substantially induce inflammation or fever. As a result, it is possible to provide a composition for treating a joint disease which has the effects of protecting cartilage from mechanical irritation, inhibiting degenerative changes in cartilage caused by wear and inflammation, repairing cartilage injuries, suppressing inflammation and pain of joint tissue, inhibiting degeneration of synovial tissue, and inhibiting osteochondral destruction.

Abstract: Described herein is an edible coating for food products in which the coatings comprises a polysaccharide cross-linked with a cross-linking agent solution. Also described herein are methods for coating food products and forming clusters of food products. The use of the edible coating for extending the shelf-life of food products is also described.

Abstract: Covalently modified alginate polymers, possessing enhanced biocompatibility and tailored physiochemical properties, as well as methods of making and use thereof, are disclosed herein. The covalently modified alginates are useful as a matrix for the encapsulation and transplantation of cells. Also disclosed are high throughput methods for the characterizing the biocompatibility and physiochemical properties of modified alginate polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biologically acceptable composition for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of colorectal cancer comprising an iron chelator, wherein the composition is adapted for the selective targeting of the iron chelator to the colon.

Abstract: The synthesized piperazium salt of KMUPs disclosed in the present invention is characterized by presented pharmaceutics having functions to improve 5-HT function and eNOS expression of KMUPS in lung diseases, such as proliferation, obliteration, pulmonary artery hypertension. The pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting monocrotaline (MCT)-induced proliferation of pulmonary artery includes an effective amount of a complex salt of formula (I): wherein R2 and R4 are each selected independently from the group consisting of a C1˜C5 alkoxy group, a hydrogen, a nitro group, and a halogen atom; RX contains a carboxylic group donated from one selected from a group consisting of a Statin, a Co-polymer, a poly-?-polyglutamic acid (?-PGA) derivative and sodium CMC; and ?RX substituent is an anion of the carboxylic group carrying a negative charge; and a pharmaceutically accepted carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oral care compositions comprising certain alginates for the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity and to their use.

Abstract: Biomaterials that support cell attachment and growth are provided. In one aspect, biomaterials are provided comprising a first polymer matrix comprising reactive amino moieties and a second polymer matrix that interpenetrates with the first polymer matrix, where the second polymer matrix comprises a poly(alkylene oxide) comprising two or more alkylene oxide oligomers joined by gamma-thioether carbonyl linkages. In another aspect, biomaterials are provided comprising at least one biopolymer comprising amino groups, thiol groups, and bifunctional modifiers connecting at least some of the amino groups to at least some of the thiol groups; and at least one poly(alkylene oxide) cross-linked to at least two thiol groups of the biopolymer. The biomaterials may further comprise a pharmacologically active agent or cells. Methods of administering such biomaterials to a patient in need thereof are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are implantable medical devices comprising a biocompatible polymer comprising a triggerable bioadhesive property that allows the device to adhere to body tissue. The triggerable bioadhesive property of the polymer can be triggered or activated by exposure to a stimulus. Also, the present invention pertains to methods of making an implantable medical device comprising a biocompatible polymer comprising a triggerable bioadhesive property that allows the device to adhere to body tissue.